Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, Teneia is an internationally-touring musician and songwriter, and has seven albums to her credit.  She has won multiple awards, had her work featured in HBO, Netflix and award-winning independent films.  She's shared the stage with various critically-acclaimed artists and songwriters.

 

 

One of Teneia's most prominent pieces, "Stand," earned a placement in the HBO documentary Prom Night in Mississippi (2008) featuring Morgan Freeman.  "Stand" embodies Teneia's ability as an artist to address deeply rooted social issues fearlessly and confidently.  Her true talent however, is how she strips down the audience, leaving their minds filled with reflection and their hearts filled with hope. In 2019 two of Teneia’s songs, “Call Somebody” and “Beautiful Mess” were featured in the LGBTQ+ Netflix show, Eastsiders created by Mississippi native Kit Williamson.

 

With a career spanning over a decade, Teneia has toured relentlessly throughout the years. Her most recent side project, Heart Society gained recognition through the Sixthman Cayamo music cruise alongside John Prine, Brandi Carlile, Buddy Miller, The War and Treaty, Lee Ann Womack, Margo Price and many more. Heart Society was also selected to perform a three week long tour on the continent of Africa in April of 2019 by the US State Department organization, American Music Abroad.  All while spreading a message of love and equality.

 

She is an advocate for the state of Mississippi and the city of Jackson. In 2020, Teneia wrote a song called ‘City with Soul’ ft. 5th Child supporting the promotional campaign for Visit Jackson. The video has over 100,000 views and has been streamed on all digital platforms. 

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In 2020, Teneia signed with SonaBLAST! Records for her 7th studio album, BLACK EMPRESS. The album was produced by Mike Minjarez in Nashville, TN.

 

In 2021, Teneia was named one of OZY Media's "Badass Women You Need to Know." 

 

In the summer of 2021 Teneia released a dance anthem, "Freedom" ft. Dayluv to celebrate Pride month for the US State Dept organization American Voices. The music video was featured in Las Vegas Queer Arts Film Festival as well as Fabulous Independent Film Festival (previously Harvey Milk Festival) and 8 other festivals worldwide. "Freedom" won "best music video" at Accord Cine Festival and Worldwide Women's Film Festival.  

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Teneia is currently living in New Orleans and working on her 8th studio album. 

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